We’ve all been exposed to dress codes, whether at school or work. Does what we’re wearing affect our ability to concentrate on learning content? Most educators and employers would agree learners’ attitudes are directly influenced, whether to small or great degrees, by the kind of clothes they’re wearing. Dress-down days at work may be a tad more lax than normal days, for example.

In schools–perhaps especially in middle and high school–the dress code has an even greater role in eliminating unnecessary distractions from learning content. But what about dress codes that prevent children from expressing themselves and their cultures? Does the wearing of things like Christian cross pendants or Muslim headscarves affect learners’ ability to focus on learning content? If not, should they be allowed?